The Sydney social and horse racing scene has been set alight in the past month following the raceday blow up between advertising guru John Singleton and racing legend Gai Waterhouse.

The storm centered around the performance of the Singleton owned and Waterhouse trained More Joyous in the All Aged Stakes at Royal Randwick last month.

Singleton reacted to reports he received that the champion Mare was treated for injuries in the lead up to the race. This has led to an inquiry into the horse’s performance and who knows what.

It will be interesting to see the full wash up of the matter as it may lead to new developments in the way that the Australian rules of racing are used.

As of today, the stewards inquiry has led to Mr Singleton to receiving a charge under the Australian rules of racing, whilst Ms Waterhouse has received two.

John Singleton has been charged in accordance with AR.175A which states:

“Any person bound by these Rules who either within a racecourse or elsewhere in the opinion of the Committee of any Club or the Stewards has been guilty of conduct prejudical to the image, or interests, or welfare of racing may be penalised.”

Singleton is bound to the rules of racing as a racehorse owner. It serves as a reminder that there are important obligations on owners in racing and the consequences of breaching those rules can be significances.

According to media outlets, Mr Singleton has pleaded guilty to that charge and been fined $15,000.

Singleton could have also been warned away from racing which would have meant the end of his successful association with the sport.

Meanwhile, Gai Waterhouse has been charged with two offences in relation to the alleged treatment of More Joyous and the alleged failure to inform stewards.

Waterhouse has pleaded not guilty and as such we cannot comment any further at this stage.

By John Vizzone

john.vizzone@vrtlawyers.com.au

02 96671271

Twitter: @jvizzone

John Vizzone is a horse racing lawyer who has acted for numerous horse racing participants. Any owners, trainers, jockeys, horse or horse racing transport workers or participants should contact him if they have any queries whatsoever regarding legal issues in the industry. John Vizzone also has experience as a racehorse owner and manager and has recently enjoyed success with the stakes winning Assail. He is pictured below with Catchword.